Thursday, March 31, 2011
Blog 10
I would think that there are some places on the internet you would want anonymity and other places you would not. It's unfortunate that some people just can't act like human beings and be responsible and not act irresponsibly online, but even if everyone did, there would still be times when you might want to post anonymously. Even off line there are times when you want anonymity, like when calling 528-CASH, the crime tip hotline. When you want/need anonymity online, such as those with disabilities as referenced in the Bowker-Tuffin article, being able to safegaurd yourself is a good thing. A sensible thing. Because some people can't be responsible human beings. But when you are being harrassed, it would be nice to be able to find out who the anonymous person is that is harrassing you. But you can't have it both ways. The WoW references are a prime example. Women being harrassed/bothered like there is no tommorrow when all they want to do is beat your butt at the game. And while anonymity affords some protection online, online life should mimic offline life to a certain extent, i.e., there are places you don't go to after dark in real life, and there are places on the internet you shouldn't go to, unless you're prepared to deal with the environment.
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I agree, I do think it's a shame that people can't just act like responsibly human beings online. i am very disappointed that people are harassing girls and women who play online games....maybe they're just mad that girls are better at the game than they are haha! I don't play WoW but i do play xbox and i would be really upset if i was constantly being harassed when all i want to do is play my game in peace!
ReplyDeleteSmile. I do believe that women are the biggest victims in online scams. Women turn to the online communciation when they are lonely and hurt. The seeks the internet for compansionship to fill the void spot. Not good, but so true!
ReplyDeleteWell, Will, I don't know if women are more likely to turn online for companionship, but it would be an interesting study. But I do think Dan makes an interesting point about places you shouldn't go "after dark" on the internet. But then again, is it really unreasonable to expect to be able to play a game and have fun without being harassed?
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly why I don't have a Facebook page too much drama. When I had a My Space page some man would post comments on my page that were really unnecessary. It was almost like he was a stalker. I didn't know how to delete them so I just deleted my page. Isn't sad how one rotten apple could ruin the whole bunch! :)
ReplyDeleteI wish there was a way to avoid being harassed. I feel like ads are invasive now. I bought shoes online at JCrew and now I feel like there is either a flip flop or a JCrew model on the right side of my screen all the time. I don't think we are ever really "protected" from being exposed if we participate in the virtual community.
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